Thursday , March 28 2024

Five boys selected in AIFF-SAI Global Scouting Programme for U-17 World Cup Team in Dubai!

India Under-16sThe All India Football Federation in collaboration with Sports Authority of India has launched its Global Scouting Programme, named the SAI–AIFF Overseas Scouting Project (OSP) which started with on-field trials in Dubai on June 10/11 for born boys in 2000 & 2001, residing in the UAE and nearby States/Countries.

The Programme which is targeted at boys currently holding solely an Indian Passport has been conceived by former India striker and AIFF Director of Scouting Abhishek Yadav and with success will move to other countries in the coming months.

Abhishek Yadav himself spearheaded these trials along with his scouting Team with Indian U-17 Head Coach Nicolai Adam going to have a close look at the selected Players before drafting them into the final FIFA U-17 World Cup squad.

Over 250 boys from across the United Arab Emirates attended the trials and five boys were chosen for the India U-17 World Cup probables. The boys are Yuveer Kelkar (stopper), Neelkantan Anand (left-back), Arjun Sunil (midfielder), Augustus Nixon (striker) and Rixon Lobo (striker).

At the end of the trials, Abhishek Yadav picked up a tentative squad of 18 players, who played a couple of friendly matches against local teams before the scouts named the final five selected players.

Speaking to the local Gulf News, Abhishek Yadav said, “We wanted to be doubly sure that we got only the best from this part of the world. These boys are so keen and responsive. They are an educated bunch so that makes their grasping power even sharper. I am pleased with the way things have gone during the past few days.”

“Now is the tough time for everyone concerned, especially for the parents as they will need to make an important decision. We need to see how and when these youngsters can join the Indian squad,” he added.

Abhishek went on to say, “The boys had examinations and it is the fasting month or else we would have had more than 1,000 boys turning up for the trials.”

The first leg of the trials have been a success, now more are set to follow.

About Arunava Chaudhuri

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